Looking for a new job now that a new year is here? Not sure how to create a fabulous resume or revise your old one? The following information, if used well, can help you land interviews you really want. Remember that people who read resumes are generally time crunched, perhaps spending seconds on each document. In addition, they are often underwhelmed by the quality of what they see. Take a look at the tips below and learn ways to make YOUR resume stand out from the pile.

Create a simple, attractive physical appearance.
Make sure you end up with a lot of white space on your finished resume. A clean, uncluttered look attracts the reader's eye. White or cream colored paper of a standard weight is preferable to ultra thin or cardstock. While black print presents a sharp, crisp appearance, you may consider highlighting one or two brief items in red or blue for special emphasis. But do this sparingly. And don't forget to capitalize and bold each major category.

Understand that a resume is a sales/marketing tool.
Your resume gives the reader a first impression of YOU. In short, it's a form of ad copy. Either the reader is inspired to meet you and learn more-or not. It's basically cut and dried. A resume is a document that has the power to schedule interviews for you, but it won't actually get you a job. A resume can get your foot in the door of an organization you think you want to work for. Determine content for this tool by figuring out what the reader absolutely must know about you and how you can meet their needs.

Start with a profile or objective.
Whichever you choose to write, confine it to one, two, or three sentences at the top of the document beneath your name and contact information. Brevity is paramount in a great resume. Usually a profile is about the prospective employer, and the objective is about you. Is it more important to tell the reader about what you are looking for in your next job, or is it more important to let the person know how you can fit into their organization and the position they need to fill? Only you can decide.

Quantify your contributions to previous employers.
As you describe your value to previous and current employers in the work history or work experience section, be certain to include metrics. Write bullets such as: "Increased company sales by 75% over a twelve month period" or "Raised $100,000 for Organization X over three years". The point is to paint a picture of your worth by using various types of numbers. Metrics give the reader very specific information about your productivity and skill set. Don't be shy here. Toot your horn in accurate, truthful ways. Holding back can hurt you.

Demonstrate HOW you got results throughout your career.
Describe how you use(d) your skills to make positive and significant contributions to your employers. Perhaps you created a strategic alliance to start a new community program. Maybe you took a college course to increase a particular skill and expand your knowledge in a targeted area. Maybe you got certified to do something specific. Mention these sorts of things boldly. But always make them relevant to the job you are seeking. Simply talking about them to brag or fill space is pointless because they will mean nothing to the reader.

Include other relevant information in addition to work accomplishments.
Be sure to augment and round out the picture you are painting for a prospective employer by including awards, professional affiliations, community leadership roles, and personal interests that are in alignment with the job you are applying for. Select only those items that are most noteworthy. Confusing the reader with a list of twenty is unwise. Show the person more of who you are with the express purpose of demonstrating how you can benefit their company.

Send a cover letter.
Don't forget to do this. Today many people think a cover letter is not necessary. A cover letter provides the reader with a succinct, soft overview and introduction of YOU. It has the ability to spark interest and set the tone for what can follow: your resume and an interview. Regard the cover letter as yet another tool that can serve you. It's a form of advertising, just like the resume. It's a communiqué that, when done effectively, can accentuate your uniqueness. A poorly written cover letter shoots you in the foot. The reader isn't going to bother with your resume.

In conclusion, focus on the employer's interests and needs. Explain why YOU are the best candidate for the job. Make assertions about your abilities, qualities, and accomplishments, then provide evidence that corresponds with each of them. Begin bulleted items with strong action verbs. Last but not least, be honest. An embellished resume laden with lies or exaggerations could land you an interview, but it most likely won't get you the job. Even if it does, you can't keep it.

Sylvia Hepler, President of Launching Lives, is an executive coach based in South Central PA. Her mission is to support corporate and nonprofit executives as well as business owners as they solve problems, develop leadership skills, and increase balance in their lives. Her professional background includes: nonprofit executive leadership, public speaking, business and freelance writing, retail sales, and teaching. For a FREE session to experience Sylvia'a approach and style:

CONTACT:
Sylvia@launchinglives.biz
717-761-5457
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